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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
The west coast of Ireland is a true treasure to be enjoyed, especially if you head to Donegal, where you’ll find one of its hidden gems, the charming harbour town of Killybegs. Although the coastal town of Killybegs may be small, it’s filled with a huge personality, friendly locals, and a strong history, which is a place that will take you by surprise in the best of ways.
This Donegal town offers the perfect getaway for anyone wishing to escape and enjoy the Irish scenery. Its idyllic location is famous for being Ireland’s leading fishing port. You need to make sure you have the town of Killybegs on your list of places to visit in Ireland, and if you need more persuasion, keep reading to find out what makes Killybegs so unique.
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The Town of Killybegs Will Capture Your Heart
Just walking around the town of Killybegs is unique in itself. With its captivating atmosphere, no one will ever feel like a stranger, as locals are always there to greet you with a smile and a chat, as the Irish are famously known for.
Here, you’ll find wild landscapes, cosy traditional Irish pubs, blue flag-award-winning beaches, and one of the best seafood spots in Ireland, making your trip to Donegal unforgettable.
Fintra Blue Flag Awarded Beach
Just 1.5km outside Killybegs, you’ll find the stunning Fintra Beach, a favourite spot with locals and tourists alike in Donegal. There is no better place to be when the sun is shining, with a gorgeous expanse of open sea, golden sand, and the captivating backdrop of the sand dunes.
It’s perfect for relaxing and adventure, as you can explore the caves and rock pools or enjoy its beauty with views of Donegal Bay. In 2019, it was given the prestigious Blue Flag Award and nine other Donegal beaches, recognising its great environment, safety, and services.
Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre
The fishing town of Killybegs has a rich maritime history; you can explore this here. Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre is housed in Donegal’s famous carpet building, where some of the world’s most iconic hand-knotted carpets are created. These renowned carpets have been featured in places such as Donegal Castle, the Oval Room in the White House, Buckingham Palace, the Vatican, and many more.
This Killybegs attraction offers the extraordinary opportunity to explore the fishing and carpet-making history unique to the fantastic town of Killybegs and Donegal. This is a must experience as you stand in the Carpet Factory and learn about its remarkable journey to producing world-class carpets, which have travelled all around the globe and have appeared in some famous buildings and places. It’s also home to the most enormous hand-knotted loom in the world, which is very impressive. You can watch live demonstrations of this or test your skills.
Then, of course, explore the exciting history of one of Ireland’s largest fishing fleets and step back in time as the centre throws you into the past through audiovisual displays, where you’ll hear stories from local Killybegs fishermen and find out what life was like out at sea. Revolutionary technology such as the Bridge Simulator audiovisual display will also allow you to experience the life of the fisherman and all the wonder of life at sea as it’s brought to life, the first of its kind in Ireland.
Killybegs Angling Charters
Experience the beauty of all that Donegal has to offer. Enjoy a sea-angling trip from Killybegs. Run by local man Brian, who has over 30 years of experience in charter angling, he gives visitors a unique opportunity to do some fantastic sightseeing while on their trip to the fishing town of Killybegs.
You can choose between full-day or half-day trips around Donegal Bay. Full-day trips take you to the most captivating Sliabh League Cliffs in Europe. This is a great way to spend a morning in Killybegs and enjoy the fresh sea air and Irish scenery.
Atlantic Coastal Cruises
This is a new and exciting attraction to Killybegs, set up by a local family. Atlantic Coastal Cruises offers an unforgettable sea cruise where you’ll see and immerse yourself in the famous Wild Atlantic Way. They offer two tours: the Cliff Tour and the Harbour Tour. You can also hire the boat for private use, tailored to your needs.
The tours will begin at the Killybegs harbour, offering informative and visual tours of the area. They will take you to nearby attractions such as Rotten Island Lighthouse, Drumanoo Head, and more. You will also experience a variety of wildlife while out at sea; sights of dolphins and basking sharks are possible. Along the way, you’ll also be captivated by the many cliffs and waterfalls surrounding the area of Killybegs and Donegal Bay.
A Walking Tour of the Town
The Killybegs Walk and Talk tour is a must-experience for anyone who wants to uncover more about the intriguing history of this authentic Donegal town. Of course, a big focal point of this tour is the Killybegs fishing industry and history. Still, you’ll also learn about the area’s fascinating medieval attractions and buildings. From ancient times to the modern day, you’ll be captivated by the history of Killybegs. It’s also a great way to meet others exploring the area and learn more about the locals who call Killybegs home.
Turntable Restaurant
Once you’ve spent a day exploring the fishing town of Killybegs, you’ll be craving something delicious to eat, good thing Killybegs is the perfect place for food and you can enjoy world-class cuisine at the Turntable restaurant at the Tara Hotel. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience as you eat, overlooking the mesmerising Killybegs Harbour, the perfect setting for a special occasion. Turntable Restaurant is known for using the finest local produce to create mouth-watering traditional and contemporary dishes that will leave you wanting to return for more.
Killybegs Seafood Shack
You can’t come to a fishing town without trying its seafood, and one place that certainly won’t disappoint is the Killybegs Seafood Shack. Just this year (2019), the seafood shack was awarded the best Chowder in all of Ireland. Killybegs Seafood Shack offers food that is delicious, inventive, and fresh; you just can’t pass by this popular spot while you visit the town of Killybegs.
Hughies Bar
Have a drink, relax, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere offered at Killybegs pubs, one of which is Hughies Bar & Gastro Bar. This pub is also an excellent spot to enjoy a variety of dishes at very affordable prices, including seafood, pizza, vegetarian food, and more. It is one of the best gems in Killybegs, with its warm welcome and the feel of a great city bar but in a small town location.
A Dream Irish Town to Visit
Killybegs will have you falling in love with its small fishing town in Donegal, which will have you wishing to return repeatedly. It’s the perfect place for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and just enjoy the simple things in life. So make sure you start planning your adventure to Killybegs, and you’ll soon understand why it’s becoming such a popular place with locals and tourists in Ireland.
Have you ever visited Killybegs? If you have, please share what you loved most about the fishing town in the comments below.
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